In Modern Language Association (MLA) style, quotes are an important part of any research paper or essay. They allow you to incorporate the words and ideas of others into your own writing, and they help to support and illustrate your own points. However, it is important to properly edit quotes so that they fit seamlessly into your writing and follow MLA guidelines.
One aspect of editing quotes in MLA style is ensuring that they are properly formatted. This includes using quotation marks around the exact words that you are quoting and citing the source in the appropriate way. For example, if you are quoting a passage from a book, you would include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses after the quote, like this: "This is a quote" (Smith 123). If you are quoting a source that does not have page numbers, you can use a paragraph number or section heading instead.
Another important aspect of editing quotes in MLA style is choosing the right quotes to use. You want to choose quotes that are relevant to your argument and that add value to your paper. Avoid including long, irrelevant quotes just to fill space or make your paper seem more impressive. Instead, focus on selecting quotes that are concise and to the point.
When it comes to actually incorporating quotes into your writing, it is important to use them sparingly. While quotes can be useful for supporting your points, they should not be the main focus of your paper. Instead, use your own words to explain your ideas and incorporate quotes only when they add something valuable to your argument.
Finally, it is important to consider the context in which you are using quotes. Make sure that you understand the meaning of the quote and how it relates to your own argument. Avoid taking quotes out of context or using them in a way that distorts their original meaning.
In summary, editing quotes in MLA style involves properly formatting them, choosing the right quotes to use, incorporating them sparingly into your own writing, and considering the context in which you are using them. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use quotes to support your argument and add value to your research paper or essay.